Chapter 5

That day, I packed my things and left the company.

Some people were happy to see me go, while others were sad.

Lily, though, had the most mixed emotions—she seemed relieved but hesitant to speak.

Back home, I felt a bit lost without work to occupy me.

I spent the day feeling like a restless cat, unsure of what to do.

In the afternoon, my assistant messaged me.

"Elaine was like a fire-breathing dragon today, even giving the cold shoulder to his future boss lady.

Leader Demi, I bet he'll soon realize he's made a huge mistake.

If you find a good opportunity, take us with you! We'd love to follow you, hehe."

I chuckled.

"Don't overthink it. As long as Julia's project goes through, the company's future is still promising.

At least you won't miss out on your salary."

As for me—

I don't plan on working for a while.

In the evening, Rose invited me out for drinks.

Like clockwork, she asked every day.

I replied: "Send me the location."

Her call came in the next second.

"Wow, the workaholic is taking a break? Did Elaine go bankrupt?"

Her lively voice made me smile.

"So, are you inviting me or not?"

"Of course, get over here! We've got a private room, drinks, and guys—all set!"

I met Rose through Elaine, but we became unexpected friends.

She's one of the few who knows about my marriage to Elaine.

So, when Elaine blatantly cheated, she was furious with him and eager to set me up with other men.

In her words: "If he's going to cheat, why shouldn't you? Let's see who's got the better options!"

By the time I arrived, Rose was already in full swing.

Clutching a drink, she danced and cheered surrounded by six-foot male models.

"Demi, over here!"

She pushed the most handsome guy towards me.

He was quick to catch on, pouring me a drink and calling me "sister."

I smiled and downed it in one go.

"Alright, you guys can leave now!"

"What do you mean? Demi, you're such a buzzkill."

I rubbed my temples with a sigh.

"It's too noisy."

She winked at me.

"I thought you were shy!"

I raised an eyebrow.

"Do I look that innocent to you?"

"Definitely not. So why stay faithful to Elaine with his behavior?"

Rose was blunt.

"If he cheats, I cheat—it's payback."

"Revenge is too strong a word; we're not there yet.

Besides, he cheated after we fell apart."

...

"Does he admit that?"

Rose sat up, her eyes bright with realization.

"I think I've just figured something out."

I asked her what she meant, but she kept it mysterious.

"Alright! Actually, I came to tell you that I'm going abroad soon."

"For what, a vacation? Business?"

"School."

"What?"

"I got accepted into a business school for my master's."

"What about your job? And you and Elaine..."

"I've already resigned, and as for Elaine, we've agreed to go to the registry office tomorrow."

Reaching this point with Elaine was almost inevitable.

I always thought I didn't feel much.

But when Rose's eyes turned red, I felt a pang in my heart.

"Is he causing trouble again?"

"No."

"Is he targeting you on purpose?"

"No."

"Why are you resigning? He should be the one to leave!"

Rose and I drank glass after glass.

She criticized Elaine, feeling sorry for me and thinking it wasn't fair.

It seems love is the only thing where effort and reward don't match.

It's strange; once in love, both parties end up feeling shortchanged.